How Does Gluten Affect the Brain?

The widespread occurrence of gluten sensitivity, wheat allergies and celiac disease have been well documented. Many of the related problems such as gastrointestinal discomfort (IBS), rashes, problems with nutrient absorption and bone loss have been reported and observed. Fortunately for many, following a gluten free diet can relieve these indications and revitalize health. But, aside from digestive complaints, there may be another reason to avoid gluten — its effect on the brain.

Recent research on the problems related to gluten have focused on the impact it has on the brain. Scientists have discovered a very close connection between the brain and the enteric nervous system (the ‘brain’ of the digestive tract). Based on this understanding, researchers have begun to look at gluten’s effect on immune response and nutrient absorption and how it affects the brain. The results so far have been terrifying.

Headache? Maybe it’s Gluten

Frequent headaches and migraines can be as irritating as they are painful. While a typical response may be to take a couple of aspirin and try to get on with the day, the better response might be to discover the cause. Headaches may be caused by something eaten – and that something may be gluten.

A recent study has suggested a link between gluten sensitivity and celiac disease with IBS and migraines. The research has indicated that those suffering from celiac disease and IBS suffer more frequent headaches and migraines than those who do not. [1] Further research has suggested that the body’s response initiates in the digestive tract and creates an over-sensitive nervous response, leading to debilitating migraines. [2]

Another study evaluated children with celiac disease who suffered frequent headaches. Children were placed on a gluten free diet to determine if this would alleviate the headaches… and in an overwhelming majority of the cases it did. [3]

Of course, if gluten is only causing you headaches, consider yourself lucky, or maybe not…

Should Food Cause Brain Abnormalities?

Patients suffering from celiac disease have been found to have significant brain abnormalities as reflected on MR imaging (MRIs). Those suffering from headaches showed the greatest degree of brain abnormality. [4] In children, neurologic complications have been found to occur in response to gluten sensitivity and celiac disease. Neurologic problems have been found to occur more severely – and frequently – in adults. [5]

In some cases, the problem is simply a loss of brain matter. While this is certainly not good and can lead to more severe problems, the adoption of a gluten-free diet has been show to help. Other cases have been noted that cannot be so easily ‘fixed.’

Researchers at John Hopkins University School of Medicine explored the impact of gastrointestinal redness (such as created by celiac disease) in schizophrenia. They looked at factors such as immune system activation and the increased ability for toxins and pathogens to enter the blood stream. In doing so, they found that immune factors as initiated in the gut suggests a link to mental illness. [6] While more research needs to be done on this subject, the fact that top researchers have begun to explore the relation between intestinal problems caused by gluten and mental illness should give anyone concerned for their health and well-being pause.

Regardless, the evidence continues to mount in the case against gluten.

Gluten and Ischemic Stroke

Gluten has been indicated in both ischemic stroke and blood clotting in the brain. In a few reported cases of ischemic stroke, the only factor that doctors could find that might contribute to the cause was the celiac disease. Researchers have suggested that the primary factor in these cases may have been the auto-immune response caused by the celiac disease. [7]

Just as with the strokes, blood clotting in the brain has been reported with the only underlying cause that of celiac disease. [8] While this has so far only been reported in individuals with celiac disease, there may be reason for those suffering from any type of gluten sensitivity to be aware.

Gluten Free and Symptom Free

In addition to headaches, brain abnormalities and blood clotting that may lead to stroke, gluten has been directly linked to epilectic seizures, and white (brain) matter lesions indicating ALS (Lou Gehrig’s disease). These links are cause immediate for concern. The good news is there is hope.

Studies have found gluten sensitivity caused changes in the brain. Researchers saw calcification on certain sections of the brain that caused epilectic seizures. In each of these cases the seizures stopped once the patient began a gluten-free diet. [9][10]

The same result occurred in an individual suffering from lesions on the brain similar to those seen in ALS. Upon examination of the patient, celiac disease was discovered. Once he was placed on a gluten free diet the MR imaging (MRI) showed a reduction in the lesions and an overall improvement in his condition. [11]

Even though the research on the impact of gluten on the brain is relevantly new, the message is clear – gluten has much more far reaching impacts on our health than previously thought. The research suggests a significant component of the problem derives from immune response and irritation caused by the body’s response to gluten.

Based on this anyone who knows of or suspects a gluten allergy should seriously consider adopting a gluten free diet, your brain will thank you. Have you noticed an effect between your ears from cutting gluten out of your diet? Please leave a comment below and share your experience with us.

Dr. Group has studied natural healing methods for over 20 years and now teaches individuals and practitioners all around the world. He no longer sees patients but solely concentrates on spreading the word of health and wellness to the global community. Under his leadership, Global Healing Center, Inc. has earned recognition as one of the largest alternative, natural and organic health resources on the Internet.

I suffered migraines for almost twenty years. One day my mom told me that her friend’s son who is four tested positive for gluten sensitivity. I was like really what symptoms did he show? And she said that the gluten inflames the brain and he was having behavioral issues. Then something clicked in my head and I googled everything I could on the gluten issue. Sure enough I decided I had nothing to lose but to try not eating gluten. After a few weeks of serious withdrawals it happened I stopped having migraines. Also skin rashes cleared. My plantar fasciitis that had been crippling me for two years suddenly got better (I am only 35 but felt 65). Guess now that I think about it I just felt robbed from the life I deserved since all along. Now I still get itchy ears ever time I eat corn also. I could go on and on with stuff but just sad when we half to self diagnose ourselves then watch loved ones suffer because a diet chance out of the norm just doesn’t work for some.

Edward Group

Thanks for sharing your story, Roxanne. You’re absolutely right, the systemic issues that can arise from your diet is really surprising and is a testament that we all need to be conscious and aware of what we’re putting in our bodies.
-Dr. Edward Group

Robin Bobula

I am an RN who has had migraines since I was a teenager (I will be 60 soon). After reading “Heal Your Headache,” about 12 years ago, I eliminated most of the usual dietary and chemical triggers (but not gluten), with only a slight improvement. I still experienced daily headaches much of the time, and still had severe migraines with nausea and vomiting which necessitated trips to the ER. After reading “Wheat Belly,” I began to try to eliminate gluten from my diet. Since getting rid of about 85-90% of the gluten in my diet, I have noticed that I no longer wake up with daily headaches, and the incidence of migraines has decreased by about 80%. I can now usually trace a migraine to several days in a row of “cheating” on my gluten-free diet. The migraines I do get are less severe and more easily managed at home. I can now again eat many of the foods I had eliminated, as they were not the problem. This has been like a miracle for me, and I wish I had know this years ago. If you’re wondering whether or not to try gluten-free, TRY IT. You have nothing to lose but your debilitating headaches.

Positive Dennis

THe last time I had wheat after a month without it I fainted. I am eating it right now but am in Russia and the wheat may be different and it is an experiment. THe only thing I have noted is binge eating, headaches and increased eating, so off it I go.

KickingandScreaming

Gluten greatly affects my mood and behavior. When I eat gluten I am very irritable and anger easily. I also go into depression easily when eating gluten. I thought I was maybe bi-polar until I stopped eating gluten and also soy. If I eat either of those the behavioral issues and depression comes immediately back.

Edward Group

Excellent info, Robin, and a great motivation to everyone — simply given gluten free a TRY and see how you feel!

Gudrun

I have most definitely have, both physically and mentally.
My almost daily migraine is gone, mood is brighter and I am more focused. Not irritated, groggy and foggy. I am more ‘present’.

Also, stomach cramps, diahrea, non-stop gas, acne, night sweats, dizziness, heart palpitations, joint aches, leg aches gone too. Back is much better, shoulders less tense, menstrual cramps have eased. Hot flashes gone and breathing is not heavy anymore.
I am SO glad I discovered this. Cutting all wheat is not hard at all because I am so thankful for all the positive changes.
I got a blood test for celiac though and doctor saw no signs of it… lol.

Michelle in Az

Hello. My name is Michelle. I am 46 years old, and healthier now than anytime in my whole life. I suffered from so many symptoms I have lost count. It took me three years of research to come to the conclusion that gluten was the culprit. Headaches, anxiety, depression, suicidal thoughts, IBS, skin rashes, rage, endometriosis, two pre-term birth babies, PMS, chronic fatigue, fibromyalgia….gluten free for almost 4 years now, and 98% symptom free. What I experience now is the permanent damage left behind. I will never go back. I have a life now beyond sickness. I am self-diagnosed…no testing. I do have extended family members who are endoscopy-confirmed as Celiac, and some diagnosed gluten sensitive. That’s all I need. I will never go back to consuming gluten. My only regret is not having it figured out sooner.

Jennifer

This is me I had alot of these symptoms

Jennifer ;)

Soon lots of people will realize how this affects the whole body and will I hope make a change I suffered tor along time with different symptoms I thought it was just me. I’m feeling better not 100% yet but there’s an improvement in my health. I also lost 20lb wasn’t even trying but because I’m eating better and took out 90% of gluten its what happened it got me where I needed to be. I recommend giving it a try you’ll feel better.

Maran

I aim to be gluten free, but can occasionally be ‘glutened’ when outside the home. My particular symptomatology, if I accidentally and unknowingly ingest gluten, is that within 20 minutes I have an overwhelming compulsion to sleep. This just happens even if I try to fight it. It is like the sleep of someone who is drugged. It might last for 20-30 minutes but I cannot shake it off during that time and am quite deeply asleep.
As well as this I get effects such as bloatedness, etc, but this sleep effect is quite concerning. I suppose it is the more severe end of brain fog.
I often wonder if accidents are caused by people who have undiagnosed gluten problems, having large amounts of wheat in some form just before driving. I’ve read about people who fall asleep at the wheel and are convicted of dangerous driving … I do wonder!

Freespirit

I couldn’t agree more… I am 45 and most of my adult years I have suffered from migraine, bloating, overweight issues, and in the last several years, depression, mood swings, irritability, panic attacks, muscle cramps, excessive bleedings and pain during menstrual periods, in other words, much to my surprise I started feeling kind of messed up and I didn’t understand why, because I had none of these issues when I was younger. I felt my health is slipping out of my control and I was desperate because of it. When it all became the worst and I was already severely anaemic from the bleedings and constant muscle pains all over my body and in my throat coming and going for weeks, my naturopath-and-MD brother ordered me to a strictly vegetable-fruit diet for 5 weeks to ease my body from allergens and get rid of inflammation. Within 48 hours of not eating gluten, my bleeding stopped, in the next 3 weeks I lost over 6 kg weight, my panic stopped, my depression, my mood swings disappeared, my muscle pain went away and I felt like a newborn. I had one migraine episode with the pain lasting only 1 day instead of the usual 3 and even that day it felt like just a slight touch, compared to the excruciating pain earlier. I did not need to take any painkillers. I do not have celiac disease according to the doctors. However… yesterday, accidentally some wheat got into my body from a restaurant… oh boy… the bloating, the gas, feelings of panic, irritability, cramps – came rushing back. I don’t need more proofs than that. I wish you all great health and symptom-free life. And those of you who need scientific proof…just stop eating gluten and see the difference for yourself.

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